Lately, my head has felt full of winter and Christmas. Once I turned the calendar page to December, it felt like winter was here, even though the season wouldn't technically change until the winter solstice on December 21st. Last year my extended family wasn't able to get together and exchange gifts due to covid, but we promised ourselves that we would hold a big summer gathering. Sadly, that didn't happen as we were in varying stages of vaccination during the summer months. We had planned Cookie Day on December 4th, but that would have meant that 19-21 people would be gathering indoors, and among those people are a family practice physician and a nurse practitioner who are exposed to covid-positive and non-vaccinated patients every day, two people with severely compromised immune systems, along with at least seven non-immunized children. We hated to do it, but we canceled cookie day. Keeping everyone safe is more important than a few cookies, and no one wanted to be in the awful position of possibly exposing someone vulnerable to the virus.
Since we didn't get to exchange gifts in person last year, many of us got lulled into inaction this year. Several people assumed we weren't going to exchange gifts again this year, some people were busy asking for gift ideas and making their lists, and some of us are non-confrontational enough that we didn't even know how to approach the conversation about gifts. But after a lot of texts, emails, and phone calls, we've got everybody on the same page, and we've decided not to exchange gifts. Most of us have everything we need and more, and everyone finally got to the same place and decided that giving gifts just for the sake of it being the socially accepted thing to do on December 25th was just not something we needed to do. I can't tell you what a relief this has been to me. I don't like to shop, and even though I love these people, that doesn't mean I knew what they might need and/or want. To celebrate my immense relief, I went out for a wonderful long walk.
Even though my mind has been full of winter and Christmas, it's still fall and it's lovely out there!
It's a different kind of beauty than the vernal green of spring or the lush blossoms of summer, but fall definitely has its own type of spare elegance. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with too much thinking and worry about Christmas. Next time something like this happens, I hope I remember to get out into nature and ground myself. I hope you had a chance to do something similar this weekend.
I just love Fall. I'm hoping maybe to get outside today as it is supposed to get up to 60...but I think rain is also in the forecast.
ReplyDeletebeautiful photos! I have to say this covid business is wearing thin on my nerves. We are not going to see any of our children over the holidays. Second year in a row but I guess that is okay for now. I've mailed the gifts and hopefully spring will bring about better forecasts.
ReplyDeleteWe have 60's in the forecast this week... and the warm rain this morning made Sherman's walk a bit more palatable!
ReplyDeleteI wish more people thought about the precautions you and your family have considered. Not easy choices, but the wisest ones ever!
I think a lot of people are going forward with holiday plans in spite of rising numbers out of sheer stubbornness, but I'm glad to hear that you and your family have decided that it's more important to keep each other safe.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the views outside are very different these days, but without all the leaves, it's been interesting to see the shapes of trees and branches that are usually covered. I'm sure before we know it, it'll all be covered with snow.
We've had many conversations about our Christmas Eve gathering and have decided (at least as of now) to go ahead with it. Everyone attending is fully vaccinated except for 2 individuals and we have asked them to take a test that day so we're going with the belief that the risk is minimal. I'm glad you were able to work things out to your liking concerning gifts.
ReplyDeleteBah humbug. If I didn't have grandchildren, I'd be firmly standing with Scrooge this year!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Bonny! If you do not enjoy the excess brain space that trying to come up with gifts and then shopping, it is indeed a HUGE relief. Now you can concentrate on the celebratory things you enjoy. I think it is sad for a lot of people that they cannot get together with extended family, but I think it is wise. There have been several outbreaks from extended family get togethers, and hopefully that will be much easier come spring. At least you now have your sons for Christmas. Yes, fall walks are almost the best ones for me since I love fall. Nature is always there waiting for us, helping us remember what is important and elemental. Happy Monday!
ReplyDeleteA walk often solves many problems! I’m glad your Christmas worked out as you’d hoped. We are on the same page here and have decided to forego getting together a d gifts!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are beautiful, especially the pinecone one.
ReplyDeleteOur family stopped exchanging gifts years ago. You now know the relief it is to not figure out WHAT to get and how to get it to them. We spend our holiday season in a much more relaxed manner.
I'm so grateful my whole family is vaccinated (even the little boys will be fully vaccinated by Christmas) and most of us are boosted, too. Cancelling Christmas gatherings is just not something I want to do this year, so we're planning just a few small things. AND still - I wish I had your walk to clear my head - those photos are stunning! (of course around here, we'd call that winter, because "fall" implies leaves still on trees)
ReplyDeleteThe photos are beautiful. I love this kind of natural beauty. Simplified or not exchanging gifts is a welcome relief. I don't think there is much that isn't helped by a good walk outdoors.
ReplyDeleteWe decided years ago not to bother with gifts as we all have so much and need not one more thing. Togetherness is the best gift. Your walk through the woods is so peaceful. My morning path is mostly along fence lines but if a push just a little farther I end up at a park which is a "working farm". It's beautiful and peaceful there.
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